Donkey Kong Movie Confirmed: What We Know So Far
▼ Summary
– Nintendo is cautiously expanding into movies, with only two confirmed films so far: a Super Mario Bros. sequel in 2026 and a live-action Zelda movie in 2027.
– Rumors suggest a fourth movie, a Donkey Kong film, may be in development, supported by a recent copyright registration.
– Donkey Kong is regaining popularity, with a new Switch 2 game, “Donkey Kong Bananza,” releasing soon and his prominent role in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
– Despite being a long-standing popular character, Donkey Kong has had fewer original games in recent years, mostly appearing in crossovers or remasters.
– A Donkey Kong movie is unlikely before 2028 due to production timelines, raising questions about whether his current momentum will last.
Nintendo’s expansion into film continues to gain momentum, with rumors swirling about a potential Donkey Kong movie joining its growing lineup. Following the massive success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, the company has taken a measured approach, confirming only a sequel for 2026 and a live-action Zelda adaptation for 2027. Now, a recent copyright filing hints at another project in the works, an animated feature centered on the iconic ape himself.
Donkey Kong’s resurgence couldn’t come at a better time. The character is set to star in Donkey Kong Bananza, a highly anticipated Switch 2 exclusive launching in just a few days. Developed by the team behind Super Mario Odyssey, the game promises to reignite the franchise’s popularity. Early previews suggest it could be a major hit, reminding fans why DK remains one of Nintendo’s most enduring figures.
Despite his legendary status, Donkey Kong has seen quieter years recently. While the ‘80s and ‘90s brought animated series and blockbuster games, his solo outings slowed after the early 2010s. Ports like Tropical Freeze and remasters kept him relevant, but aside from crossover appearances and last year’s Mario vs. Donkey Kong, the gorilla hasn’t headlined a fresh adventure in years.
That’s about to change. His standout role in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Bananza signal a full-fledged comeback. A standalone film seems like the next logical step, especially if DK plays a key role in the Mario sequel.
Before getting too excited, it’s important to temper expectations. The only concrete evidence so far is a copyright filing for an “Untitled Donkey Kong Project” under Nintendo and Universal. Given the lengthy production timelines for animated features, a release before 2028 seems unlikely. The bigger question is whether DK’s renewed popularity can sustain itself without the Mario brand front and center. Only time will tell if the beloved ape can carry a movie on his own.
(Source: kotaku)
